WIZM - La Crosse Talk Interviews

La Crosse Community Foundation recently funded a grant from the City of La crosse Redevelopment Authority to explore the creation of a renter equity program to help renters build financial assets while living in rental housing.  It's a promising program for people struggling with housing in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the passing of Pat Stephens local volunteers Scott Lundeen and Mike Diveley joined LaCrosseTalk to discuss how important keeping the mission and lights of Rotary Lights burning bright.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaching out for help with anxiety and depression is a sooner rather than later decision. The worst case end game could be suicide. The Wisconsin's Department of Health Services reports that consistently more than 900 Wisconsinites take their own life every year. But there are numerous opportunities for help dealing with depression and anxiety.  A local therapist joined LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer to discuss seeking help.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities while raising funds to support the men in our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ORA Trials is celebrating 25 years of building and maintaining recreation opportunities in the LaCrosse area with the launch of a new campaign aimed at sustaining the trails the community relies relies on every day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post office a has teamed up with an American designer for a new set of stamps to mark the country's 250th Anniversary.  Deborah Rodriguez has details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fun conversation about upcoming events in the Coulee Region and Central Conservation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minnesota communities of Houston, Hokah and La Crescent are working collaboratively to extend the Root River trail from Houston toward La Crosse.  The biggest obstacles are funding and time.  Larry Kirch talked about the work being done while a guest on LaCrosseTalk with Sean DwyerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum presents it spring new look weekend beginning this Friday.  The weekend celebrates the opening of two new exhibitions.  Director of Communications for the museum Caitlin Crouchet joined LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer to talk about the new season at MMAM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Villa Louis will reopen for the 2026 season on May 20, featuring “America 250” programming, the debut of historian Mary Elise Antoine’s new book “An Elegant Edifice: The Women Who Foraged a Legacy at Villa Louis,” and a series of author teas highlighting the women who helped preserve this National Historic Landmark. During this anniversary year, the Wisconsin Historical Society site will be open seven days a week through Nov. 2. It will also host “250 Tuesdays,” a rotating series of talks, object showcases and family scavenger hunts. Located in Prairie du Chien, Villa Louis offers an up-close look at the Gilded Age lifestyle of the Dousman family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The USA Cycling Gravel National Championships are being held in La Crescent, MN. this September.  It is an event that will have an impact on local economy and help promote the beauty, diversity and attraction of the Driftless.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Goose Island Youth Fishing Classic is coming up.  It is a great opportunity to get your kids or grandkids involved and interested in fishing.  The event is a free catch-and-release fishing tournament open to the fist 99 youth age 17 and under.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. County Parks Manager Jamie Rupple appeared on LaCrosseTalk to discuss and encourage people to participate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened on this date in history?  Play the link to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The La Crosse County Youth System of Care is a voluntary early intervention program designed to ensure at risk kids remain in school.  The theory is that consistent  attendance will  improve students chances to be ready to learn, provide support and keep troubled kids out of the criminal justice system.  It is an approach which integrates mental health , basic needs ands advocate for at risk students.  Bridget Todd-Robbins joined Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk Friday morning to discuss how and why the program works.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Cody is an iconic performer in the musical scene of the Coulee Region.  He has performed at festivals, charity events, nursing homes, night clubs and restaurants.  Joe is also well known as a mentor to local musicians.  He has a long and rich local history.  And his experience means there is no moss growing on this rolling stone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network is happening later this month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diplomatic dialogue at the Holy See.  Fred Bodimer has details in the week's Report on Religion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a will?  How do you decide if you need to create a trust? What responsibilities does a medical power of attorney have?  These are important questions which many people ignore or avoid. That is a bad decision according to local attorney Steve Doyle.  Doyle appeared on LaCrosseTalk with Sean Dwyer to explain why the discourse is prudent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like many outdoor spaces cemeteries need oversight maintenance and care.  That work requires a plan and purpose.  Jeff Reinhart operates the Catholic Cemetery on Losey Boulevard and oversees other nondenominational cemeteries in Western Wisconsin. He talked about his important work with host Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several communities across Wisconsin and Minnesota are marking the National Day of Prayer. In La Crosse the Day of Prayer event connected believers and community leaders to commemorate the day and acknowledge the Power of Prayer.  Pastor Libby Howe spoke to the importance and power of Prayer on LaCrosseTalk Thursday morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend features one of the biggest plant sales in our community.  The "Grow" plant sale will be held on the WTC campus.  Bonnie Martin talked to Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk about the important and colorful fundraiser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My nose is a scholar of pollen and dust, it studies each speck with obsessive mistrust.  One whiff of spring air and achoo! I declare my sinuses simply were not built for fresh air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drop the stone and get onto the ice to understand and possibly sample curling in the La Crosse community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Edwards, Christy Patton and Jonathon Rose joined LaCrosseTalk to share Mother's Day gift ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California to insurance regulator says the state is seeking millions of dollars in penalties from State Farm. This follows an investigation which found the insurance company violated state law while handling claims from the 2025 Los Angeles area wildfires.  CBS's Nicole Comstock has the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LADCO leader Vicki Markussen discussed development, housing, old radios and Zoning on LaCrosseTalk with host Sean Dwyer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual mail carrier's food drive takes place this weekend.  The event is a collaboration between Great Rivers United Way, Hunger Task Force and local mail persons. Connor Glassen joined Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk to discuss the need, logistics and history of the event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asphalt driveway scams typically involve onsolicited contractors, high pressure tactics and untruthful claims by uninvited scammers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Crosse needs to build more than 200 new units of housing every year through 2030 to meet current demand. How will the community get there? Habitat for Humanity and City of La Crosse are hosting housing week events to discuss the issue and possible answers. Natalie Heneghan talks about events which happen all week long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women Showed their fashionable muscle at the movies. CBS's Deborah Rodriguez explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The La Crosse YMCA offers a number of summer programs for young people in the area.  That includes summer camps, swim lessons and outreach lunch programs.  YMCA CEO Bill Soper discussed how the "Y" continues its mission and works to be a safe third place for all age groups in the area.  He joined Sean Dwyer on LaCrosseTalk Monday morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The La Crosse County Historical Society fosters appreciation of the past with an emphasis on local history.  One effort involves remembering how citizens remembered and predicted possible changes in the upcoming century.  It's is part of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.  Amy Vach discussed the society's efforts on WIZM LaCrosseTalk with Sean Dwyer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Beth Hensel brings her story and her music to WIZM's Music Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King's Speech. Fred Bodimer has more on that in this week's Report on Religion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the time of its completion the Empire State building was the world's tallest skyscraper. In 1972 the Empire State lost it's title as the world's tallest building to New York's World Trade Center, which was the tallest building for a year.  Today the honor belongs to Dubai's Burj Khalifa tower, which soars 2,716 feet into the sky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A hunting conversation with a local turkey hunter. Topics include equipment, weather, strategy and bagging a big bird. Kirk Donskey shares his hunting experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DNR Warden talks about the Turkey season including rules, outlook and safety tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solo pianist Andrey Gugnin is set to perform at the Saturday La Crosse Symphony Orchestra concert. Mr. Gugnin sat down with La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer to talk about his musical journey and why he likes performing in the Coulee Region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coulee Region Woodturners club provides education information and demonstrations to people who have an interest in Woodturning.  The members use lathes to turn wood and turn scrap pieces into a wide ranging pieces of wood items.  These can include bowls, boxes, toys and wooden sculptures.  The CRW is always looking for new members.  President Aaron Gesicki joined WIZM LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer to talk about the organization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Swift just sealed her fate as a billion dollar artist and she made sure others get their due. CBS's Deborah Rodriguez has details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remembering the most recent Freedom Honor flight with WIZN news' Brad Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new airplane exhibit is kicking off a busy summer season at the fun museum in La Crosse. It's a great place to share moments and experiences for children and those young at heart adults.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oasis is a local organization that works with Causeway Caregivers to coordinate and organize events for persons with the beginning to middle stages of dementia or memory issues.  The community based program relies on volunteers and the generosity of local churches.  Oasis provides a service which many don't know about. To Learn more listen to this discussion on WIZM LaCrosseTalk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viterbo choirs under the direction of Dr. Michael Sauer will perform Sir Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.  The performance is free and open to the public. It takes place Sunday, May 3 at the Holmen High School Auditorium.  To learn more listen to this WIZM LaCrosseTalk interview and hear Anastasia Sieren and Sky Hermsen sing.  You are gonna want to listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 60 years the Boys & Girls club has and continues to make a positive contribution to our community.  Jake Erickson joined WIZM LaCrosseTalk to discuss the club's past, present and future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

River Clean Up has been completely volunteer-run since 1993 and volunteers have removed almost 1 million pounds of trash from our communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that can include p[physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or financial exploitation.  Ann Kappauff, the executive director of New Horizons talks with LaCrosseTalk host Sean Dwyer about the nagging and abusive problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A surgery resident is tapping into some unconventional skills to help pay off a huge school debt.  CBS' Jarred Hill has the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we wrap up April a reminder that it is Donate Life Month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new movie is juicing music sales. Deborah Rodriguez explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.